Mer de Glace Glacier Hike, Chamonix
5-6hr guided glacier hike on the Mer de Glace
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Experience one of the best known glaciers in the Alps, safe in the hands of an experienced local guide.
The Mer de Glace or 'Sea of Ice' is one of the most well-known glaciers in the Alps. Its source begins at around 3700m altitude in the Midi basin, and flows down in the direction of Chamonix to around 1500m. Equipped with crampons, a harness, and ice axes, your guide will lead you to one of the most beautiful phenomena on earth. Marvel at the sea of ice, see giant crevasses, and even have a go at ice climbing.
Programme :
- Meet in front of the Montenvers train station in Chamonix. Train rides to Montenvers at 1930m (30min)
- Follow the walking path to the equipped section (ladders, cables and chains) and descend onto the glacier (30min - 1h). Initially, the glacier is covered with scree and stones and a short walk will take you onto the ice. Crampon up and take the direction of the "Moulins" where a Canyon has been eroded by the torrent, which disappears into the heart of the glacier (40min)
- Try out some ice climbing or continue in the direction of the junction with the Leschaux glacier. The glacier is quite chaotic here, and it's quite understandable why the glacier got its name. A bit of ice climbing for approximately 1h, before returning to Montenvers.
It takes about 5-6h of walking for the longer trek, or about 4h when stopping off at "Les Moulins". The programme can be modified to adapt to the glacier conditions.
